ABOUT THE SAUCECats
Mike Clark
Saucecats' keyboardist extraordinaire brings his classic Hammond B-3 organ with the revolving Leslie speaker to add that touch of class to any venue. This iconic organ provides classic rich, full sound that just can't be emulated by sampled electronics or modern tricks and Mike is equal to it in his playing ability! Mike can be heard adding mandolin to traditional Zydeco numbers such as "Le Mardi Gras Danse". The mandolin is also more manageable when the Cats do their processional introductory stroll on "When the Saints Go Marching In.”
KIM BRAEUTIGAM
Founding member and Bass player Dr. Kim Braeutigam, AKA ( Doc ) began performing at the age of 12. With decades of experience playing a large variety of music including Country, Blues, Jazz, Rock, Gospel and now Zydeco make Doc the foundation of The Saucecats.
Perry English
Founding member Perry English is usually the most noticeable guy on the Saucecats' stage. He is our jester and 'master of ceremonies'. He personifies the Zydeco mantra "Laissez les bons temps rouler". "Letting the good times roll" with the Rub Board, an instrument that is a must for Zydeco music. Sometimes you will see him at his full percussion rig onstage but he is usually found moving and dancing across the stage and through the crowd, grinning ear to ear!
don gaston
The newest member of the Saucecats, Don Gaston, spent 35 years as the Band Director for Linden School District where his bands earned numerous awards. Don is frequently called upon to add his big sax sound to several bands including blues, classic and current rock/pop and now Zydeco with the Saucecats. He loves moving to the music and Don can be counted on to get the crowd moving when he is out on the floor for his up close and personal sax solos.
BRUCE LAWTON
Bruce, always with an amicable smile on his face, handles the prominent Zydeco accordion duties within the Saucecats. When he is allowed a break from accordion, Bruce also does guitar work and is heard harmonizing on many songs. Bruce maiored in Music Performance and is a very accomplished musician with the ability to play many instruments - exactly what the Saucecats require from all their members!
DAN MATA
Being a drummer in a Zydeco band is a challenge; Dan always rises above. Even more impressive is hearing him anchor the 'Cats through the multiple genres they play... Latin, Caribbean, rock, blues, country and evervthing else imaginable!! Dan majored in Percussion at Mott College and U of M. He sings harmonies and can be heard appropriately on lead vocals with "Bang on the Drum All Day"!
Scott Pries
Scott Pries is the newest member of the Cats. Scott is in his twenty-seventh year of teaching, the past 26 of which as Director of Bands for Imlay City Schools. Scott has earned both a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music degree from Central Michigan University. In addition to serving as a clinician and freelance trumpet player, Scott is a member of the Belle Valley Community Band, the Soggy Bottom Big Band and now a member of The Saucecats.
MIKE ODETTE
A true standout of the 'Cats is lead singer, Mike Odette. Endowed with a tremendous vocal range, Mike is the perfect candidate for that position. He can seamlessly move from mellow tones of "Tell It Like It Is" to the raucous, conga line-inducing "Hot, Hot, Hot." Mike plays alto sax when the horn section requires that third part. He plays acoustic rhythm guitar. But his most important role is that of lead vocalist.
Steve Helfrich
1961 - 2015
Always a Saucecat and now playing with the angels. Steve's horn and kind soul will always be a part of The Saucecats.